Ecclesiastes 3 (ESV) is a familiar passage of scripture quoted when someone dies, or something of significance comes to an end; for there is a beginning and end to every life span.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3 (ESV)

However, at the time of loss, many question the reason for the loss. Yes, the bible state that “our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures;” but in truth, we never know when we will close our eyes for the final time. It is this reason why many say it is the space after the date of your birth and before the date of your death that counts the most.

When a child dies young, we say it was too soon. When a young life is taken due to violence we state, they were taken to soon. When illness strikes a loved one, we say we didn’t have enough time. However, in all of these matters, for someone out there, it will always be too soon.

I often quote a song penned by Thomas Whitfield, “Don’t Cry for Me,” when friends or family lose a relative or close friend. In the end, I would let the spirit guide my final thoughts depending if I had a personal relationship with the family or the loved one departed.  Words that would give them a happy memory to remember.

THe dash represents

See it is the space or time that dash stands for that will allow laughter instead of mourning, smiles instead of tears, love in place of pain. See it is that dash that can bring comfort to those that feel cheated and left behind. For its the memories that we leave, that will change one’s mourning into dancing. 

Often as we live our lives, we don’t like to think about when we will die when all that we set out to accomplished will come to an end. Few consider and/or can leave a legacy. We don’t stop and think about what people would really say about us in our passing.

The meaning

In 2015 during an interview, Lisa Nichols spoke about “The Dash.” She said something about wanting to make the dash dance. Sound strange but when you think about it would be nice. When one pass, you should want to be remembered for all the good that you did in this world. You should want to leave a legacy for the lives that you touched. You should wish to be remembered for the seeds you sowed; for the life that you brought forth; for the souls that you build up; and the promises you kept. You should want others to remember the times that you spoke and when you were silent. For how you dried tears and brought hope to the down trotted.

Yes, there is a time for everything, but in our death, the only time we should want others remembering are those actions done in love.  For no one is perfect, but if we live our lives each and every day, doing every deed for the perfect pleasing of God, we would have accomplished much during our lives.

An Angel’s Dash is Dancing

An angel was called home, on Sunday, September 15, ’19, left a legacy that extends far beyond the love for her sisters and their children. Far beyond the passion and devotion that she gave to her two children and her grandsons. She left a legacy with every precious soul that she touched as a school teacher and then as a teacher’s teacher and mentor. In this time of mourning, her dash is dancing. Dancing because her love outshined any imperfection.  

Yes, her dash is dancing, the memories of her life filled with love and compassion.

Rest in Sweet Peace Jackie Blackman, your legacy lives on through so many.